Driver tells Houston police what led to man's fatal leap from road

By Dale Lezon |
May 29, 2013
| Updated: May 29, 2013 12:04pm

A 58-year-old man standing near his disabled sports utility vehicle died late Tuesday night when he plunged from a overpass on the Sam Houston Parkway as another vehicle drove toward him.

The incident happened about 10:40 p.m. on the North Beltway 8 near the Hardy Toll Road, according to the Houston Police Department.

The man had pulled over to the far right lane on the westbound Parkway after his SUV broke down. He got out and was standing near it.

Police said a woman driving a black Honda Civic westbound on the Parkway told investigators traffic was slowing down when another motorist suddenly changed lanes in front of her. She said she then saw the man standing near the stalled SUV and tried to stop. She said the man jumped from the Parkway. Her car hit his SUV.

Police said the man plunged about 30 feet. He died at the scene.

Police said the woman did not appear to be impaired. She was released. No charges were filed.